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The Route 66 Beach Festival is almost here, and it’s shaping up to be the best day outside all summer. Live music, food trucks, beach games and America’s newest Olympic sport, beach sprints rowing, just feet from where you’re standing. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your day at Arcadia Lake.

When & Where

The festival runs 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, August 29 and 30, at Arcadia Lake in Edmond, just off Route 66 and Midwest Boulevard, and only minutes from North Oklahoma City.

The gates to Arcadia Lake open at 7 am, so come early if you want first pick of parking and a good spot to settle in for the day.

Getting In – Every Car Needs a Lake Pass

Good news, the festival itself is free! The only cost to get in is the $10-per-car Arcadia Lake fee. This is basically your parking fee for the day. One pass, one car, for the whole day.

You can buy your pass the day of the event or better yet, grab your lake pass ahead of time so you can roll right through the gate on festival day.

Parking & CityLink Shuttle

You have two easy options:

• Park downtown and ride the shuttle. You can park in downtown Edmond and hop on the CityLink shuttle to the festival. Great if you want to start or end the day shopping or dining in Edmond’s downtown area.
• Park Onsite. Pull up to the Arcadia Lake entry gate ($10 per car), and they will point you to the festival parking area. 

What to Wear, What to Bring

Come ready for a full day at the lake! We suggest…

• If you want to get wet, swimsuit or quick-dry gear
• Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
• Lawn chairs or a beach blanket for watching the races
• Cash and cards for food trucks and merch

We’ll have beer for sale for guests 21 and up (ID required), plus food trucks all day, so you can pack light if you would rather just show up and graze.

Quick notes: Yes on bringing coolers. No on bringing any alcohol. Per lake rules, pets (dogs, cats, chickens) aren’t allowed on the beach. Service animals are allowed.

Brews, Bites, and Beach Vibes

A day at the beach requires all the best tunes, from retro classics to current hits. We’ll have live music all day Saturday and Sunday featuring local bands, DJ Giacomo, and a special performance by Jan & Dean’s Beach Party on the Route 66 Music Stage on Saturday at 3:30 PM. Check out the full schedule here.

And come hungry. Cold beer from Frenzy Brewing, açaí and smoothie bowls from Bondi Bowls, fresh mini donuts and boba lemonade from The Hangry Halo, and Kona Ice to keep you cool in the sun. More food trucks are still rolling in, so check out the full food and drink lineup here. Beer is for guests 21 and up (ID required).

Beach Sprints

Beach Sprints is rowing turned on its edge. Athletes sprint across the sand, jump in the boat, row a 250-meter slalom through the waves, then charge back to the beach and dive for the finish. Four minutes of controlled mayhem, and you will be just feet away from the action.

You’ll see men’s, women’s, and mixed events. Competitors will be at all levels – you’ll see U.S. National Team rowers (a.k.a. Olympic Hopefuls) who are training in hopes of competing at the sports Olympic debut at the LA28 Games. Masters and youth rowers who know their stuff in traditional rowing will also be trying out the sport, most for the first time. And we’ll even have a few folks who are totally new to rowing and decided to give it a shot.

Plus we’re hoping to have some kayakers and maybe some dragon boaters. It’s a race; it’s a party for all! Prelims Saturday, finals Sunday.

Bringing the Family

This event is built for families looking for something fun to do in Edmond this summer. Music, beach games, and racing you’ve never seen before. Grab your beach gear, bring the whole crew, and make a day of it.

You In?

Get your lake pass, mark your calendar, and we will see you at the beach. August 29-30 at Arcadia Lake.